Alaska‘s extreme climate may not seem ideal for solar power, but there are good reasons the Last Frontier is increasingly embracing this renewable energy source. With America‘s second-highest electricity rates coupled with abundant summer sunshine, solar panels can save the average Alaskan home or business 20-40% on annual utility bills.
Over 35 megawatts of solar have been installed statewide, almost doubling capacity since 2019. As prices keep falling and incentive rebates kick in, payback periods on rooftop systems make solar a no-brainer. This guide compares the top solar companies in Alaska to find you the best value installation.
Why Go Solar in Alaska?
Before profiling the leading Alaska solar providers, let‘s review key benefits motivating adoption:
- Offset high utility bills – Electricity here costs 50% above U.S. averages, making bill savings with solar considerable.
- Federal tax incentives – The 30% Investment Tax Credit slashes upfront system prices.
- State rebates – Alaska provides up to $10,000 additional rebates while funding is available.
- Property value increases – Homes with solar sell for 10-15% more.
- Lower carbon footprint – Solar power is emissions-free, helping the environment.
Now let‘s compare your best partner options for harvesting free sunlight!
Alaska‘s Top Solar Power Companies
| Company | Years in Business | Installations to Date | Panels Used | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable Energy Systems | 16 years | 100+ | SunPower, REC, Panasonic | 25 years |
| Arctic Solar Ventures | 6 years | 500+ | Qcells, Solaria | 30 years |
| Alaska Solar | 6 years | 500+ | SunPower, REC, Qcells | 30 years |
| Susitna Energy | 10+ years | 50+ | SunPower, Panasonic, Mission Solar | 25 years |
| SunPower | 35+ years | 10,000+ in AK | SunPower Panels | 25 years |
While Alaska has over a dozen solar companies to choose from today, these five consistently rank as best-in-class providers based on experience, quality, attention to detail, and homeowner satisfaction. Let‘s explore what sets each of them apart.
Renewable Energy Systems
As Alaska‘s original renewable energy experts since 2006, Renewable Energy Systems (RES) has engineered over 100 custom solar, wind, and hybrid projects statewide. Whether building an off-grid cabin system or upgrading a commercial fish processor, RES has the versatile expertise. Unmatched experience adapting systems for long winters and remote locations gives peace of mind their solution is optimized for Alaska‘s conditions.
Detailed panel output monitoring, robust component warranties, and rated "Excellent" on SolarReviews prove they stand behind quality and service. Federal tax credits plus RES‘s financing assistance simplifies affording solar. Typical residential payback periods range 5-7 years.
"We could not be happier with our wind/solar hybrid system from RES! They helped us find the optimal setup for our off-grid lodge, and their team provided exceptional installation and follow up. Even guests comment on how quietly our panels produce abundant power. I‘m thrilled to essentially live bill-free now just harnessing Alaska‘s natural resources!" – Jessica S., Kenai Peninsula lodge owner
Arctic Solar Ventures
Since opening in 2016, Anchorage-based Arctic Solar Ventures has quickly become top-rated among Alaska solar installers for service and attention to detail. Company president Nick Szymoniak double-majored in physics and power generation, so optimizing systems leveraging Alaska‘s long summer days comes naturally.
With over 500 installations across the state already, smart monitoring technology and battery storage options give their customers resiliency and decades of maintenance-free solar production. Arctic Solar promises to beat any competitor‘s pricing while offering premium equipment like Solaria panels harnessing more watts per square foot. Their 30-year workmanship warranty provides genuine peace of mind.
Detailed electric bill savings estimates help determine the perfect system size for your location and budget. Plus Arctic Solar guides clients in tapping all available state and utility incentives making payoff timelines excel.
Alaska Solar
Employee-owned Alaska Solar lives up to their motto of "Alaskans powering Alaska." Since 2016 they have installed over 500 residential and commercial systems leveraging high-efficiency SunPower, REC, and Qcells panels optimized for long nights and icy conditions. Meticulous site analysis captures seasonal sunlight angles informing custom mounting approaches harvesting maximum solar energy.
Alaska Solar shines brightest helping homeowners navigate incentives lowering out-of-pocket costs. Knowledgeable staff handle required utility paperwork plus leverage company buying power to pass maximum savings onto clients. This SolarReviews-certified installer further provides performance monitoring and covers all workmanship with a 30-year warranty.
Susitna Energy Solutions
Susitna Energy takes a consultative approach ensuring each customer understands their power needs and sorrounding environment when moving to solar solutions for primary or supplemental electricity. Their portfolio of over 50 Alaska installations includes remote cabins, residential grid-tie systems, and commercial arrays saving enterprises up to 80% over utility bills.
Backed by over 30 years combined industry expertise, Susitna evaluates locations to right-size solar systems, properly site infrastructure, and determine ideal pairings of high-efficiency panels with weather-proof mounting and inverter equipment. Ongoing inspection, maintenance, and repair services give confidence your system will keep performing. Susitna guides homeowners in estimating tax incentives and ROI timeframes when devising financing solutions.
"We could not be happier with the job Susitna Energy did installing our off-grid cabin system. They helped us find the right solar panel and battery combination meeting our budget yet ability to run basic lighting, refrigerator, and water pump amenities. The team walked us through connecting to the charge controller and usage monitoring too. I‘d recommend them to anyone looking to solar power a remote building." – Ryan D., Talkeetna cabin owner
SunPower Corporation
With over 35 years pioneering solar innovations, SunPower has installed thousands of Alaska systems leveraging their signature high-efficiency Maxeon solar panels and Helix racking technology built for extreme weather tolerance. SunPower offers premium 25-year equipment and workmanship warranties installing only proven, reliable components designed to withstand harsh conditions.
While SunPower sells wholesale modules to leading Alaska solar installers, they also contract certified local partners to provide complete residential evaluations, system design, permitting, and installation services. SunPower‘s online design tools model your precise solar potential while expert consultants advise the most cost-effective system recommendations maximizing bill savings.
Key Solar Provider Comparison Criteria
While the above companies each offer quality products and installations that will provide good long-term electricity savings, you may be wondering exactly how to evaluate the contenders to choose your optimal rooftop solar partner. Here are key criteria to consider:
Local Experience – How long has the company operated specifically in Alaska? Do online reviews highlight their understanding of state building codes, permitting, utility requirements, and factors like winter snow management?
Equipment Quality & Warranties – Do they feature premium panels, racking, and battery components expected to withstand Alaska weather extremes for decades? Are warranties 25+ years?
Price Transparency – Quality solar need not be expensive. Top providers offer free roof assessments providing custom quotes benchmarked against typical Alaska payback periods. Is pricing clear or confusing?
Financing Options – Can they advise if buying outright, financing, leasing or signing a power purchase agreement best aligns with your budget? Do they guide you in capturing all available state/federal incentive rebates and tax credits?
Install Quality – How many racks, anchors, conduits, and other elements do they utilize ensuring panels stay locked in place handling heavy snow/wind? Do they apply weatherproofing sealants on all penetrations and connections?
Winter Solar FAQs
Does snow reduce solar production? Light snow often slides off panels with heat from sunlight underneath. Heavy snow can accumulate needing occasional clearing for maximum output. Sites also impact likelihood of snow buildup requiring attention.
How about shorter winter days? Solar panels produce lower capacity on overcast days, however even diffuse light generates some electricity. Investing in battery storage allows capturing extra summer sun to supplement darker months.
Can I expand my system later? Absolutely. Most homeowners start with enough panels handling 30-60% of overall use. Additional panels can seamlessly add more production capacity when extra funds allow.
I hope this guide has shown solar delivers compelling benefits for Alaska homes and businesses. Please don‘t hesitate to contact one of the top-ranked local solar providers above for a free assessment confirming if rooftop panels make sense aligning with your budget and electricity usage needs. Investing in solar technology provides decades of reliable, clean power plus insulation from rising utility rates. Capture control over your energy future by harnessing Alaska‘s plentiful summer sunlight today!
